Postmedia Network Inc. has launched ‘Postmedia Supports’, a program to help raise awareness and funds and to provide local support during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The program has two components: the first supporting vulnerable people through the work of COVID-19 relief initiatives; and the second, supporting local businesses severely impacted by the pandemic.
Supporting COVID-19 Relief Initiatives
Postmedia will contribute an initial $2.5 million in marketing services and media across its print and digital platforms supporting health information, food security and vulnerable community members including the elderly.
In an effort to help Canadians, Postmedia is partnering with covidquestions.ca, Second Harvest and United Way Centraide as the three organizations to receive this marketing support in an effort to help Canadians.
Covidquestions.ca
Launched as a national public awareness campaign, covidquestions.ca is a collaboration between the Canadian Medical Association, Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons, the College of Family Physicians of Canada and Spark Advocacy. The campaign reinforces public health messages about COVID-19 and urges the public to do their part to flatten the curve NOW.
Second Harvest
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Second Harvest has accelerated the national expansion of FoodRescue.ca, its free, easy-to-use donation platform that connects businesses with fresh, surplus food to donate with non-profit organizations that feed communities. FoodRescue.ca is an accessible tool that can be mobilized immediately to support food recovery and distribution during the COVID-19 pandemic. FoodRescue.ca also enables food donors and non-profits to coordinate donations with minimal interaction, supporting social/physical distancing.
United Way Centraide
United Way Centraide launched its COVID-19 Community Response and Recovery Fund in March to support local communities across the country. It helps in three ways: Basic Needs – ensuring people have access to life’s essentials such as food and shelter; Capacity for Community Services – ensuring community partners can continue to do their vital local work; Help for Seniors – ensuring that while vulnerable people are isolated, they are also supported.
This new initiative builds on Postmedia’s COVID-19 activities including dropping the paywall on all COVID-19 content, COVID-related newsletters launched from each of our newsrooms, the Heroes and Doing Good editorial series that are shining a spotlight on individuals and corporations making a difference during this challenging time. Postmedia is also supporting the entertainment industry through Crew Nation, a Global Relief Fund created by Live Nation supporting crews affected by event cancellations due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Supporting Local Businesses
In support of local businesses, Postmedia has launched a free digital business directory to connect consumers with local businesses. In a matter of weeks, thousands of businesses have signed up to be a part of this community resource. In the coming weeks, Postmedia plans to announce additional support programs for our local business partners in our trusted local brands to showcase and connect businesses with their communities.
